Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt from 1885 until his death in 1919 and served as the Summer White House during his presidency. The shingled Queen Anne style house stands on a hill above Oyster Bay, and the National Park Service has preserved it with the furniture, books, trophies and personal objects that the Roosevelt family left behind. The visit shows the human side of one of America's most energetic presidents, from the cluttered North Room to the porch where the family sat on summer evenings. The grounds, farm buildings and the nearby Old Orchard Museum, once home to his son, add the wider story of a large and lively family.
House tours are the heart of the visit, and they are usually guided and timed. Rangers lead small groups through rooms filled with original furnishings, from the library to the dining room to the famous North Room, which Roosevelt added in 1905 as a large reception and trophy space.
Mounted animals, books, souvenirs and gifts from foreign leaders fill the rooms, and they give a vivid sense of a man who loved nature, politics and family life in equal measure. Access to the interior may be limited by season or restoration work, so check what is open before travelling.
The Old Orchard Museum, in a Georgian Revival house built by Theodore Roosevelt Jr., provides exhibits about Roosevelt's life and career, from his early years in New York to the Rough Riders, the presidency and his conservation legacy. Films and displays explain the long arc of the family. Outside, trails run through woods and fields toward the water, with views over Oyster Bay, and picnic areas make it an easy place to linger.
Birds, butterflies and wildflowers add to the walk in the warm months. Oyster Bay itself rewards time. The village has restaurants, a railroad museum and Raynham Hall, an old house with Revolutionary War links, and Young's Cemetery, where Roosevelt is buried, is a short drive away. The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center offers trails and bird watching. Oyster Bay is also known for its harbor, its oyster history and a pleasant waterfront. Together these places make a full day, particularly for visitors who enjoy American history.
Practicalities
Sagamore Hill lies on the North Shore, about thirty miles from Manhattan, and is reached by car or by train to Oyster Bay station followed by a taxi. Hours and tour availability change with season and staffing, and the house tour may be limited to certain days, so check the park's schedule. Entry to the grounds is generally free, while tours may carry a fee. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and allow two to three hours. Children who like history, animals and stories usually enjoy the visit, particularly the trophy-filled North Room.
What to expect
The experience
A ranger-led tour of Theodore Roosevelt's preserved home, a museum in the Old Orchard house and walking trails on the grounds.
Best time
Spring to autumn; check seasonal tour schedules.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Check tour times and any closures first. Wear walking shoes, and pair with Oyster Bay village and the Roosevelt Sanctuary.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The best American history stop on the North Shore.
- Families
- School-age children enjoy the trophy room and the animals.
- Couples
- A quiet afternoon followed by dinner in Oyster Bay.
- Pair with
- Oyster Bay village or Planting Fields Arboretum.
- Time needed
- Three hours.
Good questions
Who lived at Sagamore Hill?+
Theodore Roosevelt and his family, from 1885 until his death in 1919.
Why is it called the Summer White House?+
Roosevelt used it as his working residence during the summers of his presidency.
Are house tours available?+
Usually, with timed guided tours, but availability depends on season and staffing, so check the schedule.
Is admission free?+
Entry to the grounds is generally free, while house tours may carry a fee.
What else is nearby?+
Oyster Bay village, Raynham Hall, Young's Cemetery and the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary.